I have to start this week on a bit of bad news I'm afraid, as just about 10 minutes ago I heard the news that 2 motorsport greats were among the dead in the Kent aircrash yesterday. David Leslie and Richard Lloyd might not be household names, but they are very familiar to me and have been for over 20 years. I can but say how sorry I am.

Looking back over the past week, the Easter weekend ended with some foul weather bringing snow on Monday, and then on Tuesday I went off to the Lakes for a day. It's still my favourite place to go and I get this strange feeling of homecoming driving there. My mum came with me and said the same thing, the affection for this part of the world runs quite deep in the family genes.

Back to work on Wednesday, and after the packed house at Snaith on Easter Day, it was back down to Earth (some might say normal!) with a very thin audience at the Shepherds Boy, Dewsbury. This was another of the Ossett Brewery venues and needless to say the pub was lovely, as was the landlord and the beer. It just happens to be a quiet night and they are fairly desperate to change to a Sunday afternoon. It wasn't too bad for me as I got to play and didn't get any hassle, but it's so easy to switch off and become lost in the middle of a song I've played many times before. Hopefully they can switch nights and I'd be happy to go back.

Friday saw the band back on the road at The Plough at Warmfield. This is home to the most enthusiastic landlord in the world as far as live music is concerned. If you think you know anyone better, please let me know as I'd love to play there as well! It does make all the difference in the world, to see someone who actually cares about putting music on in a venue.
It was a 40th birthday and as such the original material didn't really get much attention. We had to rely on the run-in of covers to get the response and atmosphere the night deserved. The balance between artist and entertainer is a fine one, but at least one we can try and serve.

I'm hoping to launch a new Internet Store via myspace on my page there very soon. It will be with an established download company so hopefully will encourage a few more download sales.

Just for the record, the new album is appearing on various digi download sites now and you are more than welcome to purchase a song or two!

Try clicking on these for starters!

Ruckus

Payplay


Also, I've had a purple patch recently on soundclick.com where hits and plays have shot up. Getting particular attention has been 'Cold Steel Lover' which is featured on the new album Seven Shades Of Grey. Have a listen and see what you think.